Parish priest accused of abusing minor

PHILIPPINES
The Manila Times

BY FRANCIS EARL CUETO, TMT ON JULY 29, 2017

A PARISH priest was arrested in Marikina City Friday evening, after he allegedly abused a 13-year-old girl while on their way to a motel.

Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula, Eastern Police District director, identified the priest as Msgr. Arnel Lagarejos, 55.

He was arrested at around 6:30 p.m. while inside his gray Ford explorer with plate number TGO 350 at the parking area of Blue Wave Mall along Sumulong Hi-way, in Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City.

If proven guilty, Lagarejos will be charged with violation of the anti-trafficking in persons act.

A report by the Marikina police said Lagarejos allegedly booked the minor, also an out-of-school youth, through 16-year-old “ARB,” who served as pimp. They were reported to be meeting at the Blue Wave Mall.

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